The potential for a new generation of boxing fans here is evident in the excited response to Saturday night’s epic , which comes from way further than the regular fight fraternity.

This country is agog at the courage and fortitude of two brilliant gladiators whose friendship was violently interrupted in London’s 02 Arena but which was resumed immediately hostilities came to a climactic end.

And this fight’s reach has extended far beyond these shores.

The air waves and social media platforms are buzzing with messages from around the world, virtually all acclaiming the magnificence of these 12 rounds of hand-to-hand combat.

America, where the battle was broadcast on the HBO network, appears galvanised even though no US fighter was taking part.

It may not be an exaggeration to say that Froch and Kessler have changed perceptions overnight.The negative view of boxing as a sport manipulated by seedy politics, financially corrupt and wracked by dubious decisions has given way to thrilled admiration for two men neither conceding nor seeking quarter as they gave their all in the ring.

Hopefully this is not temporary. Because what we witnessed here is the core truth of a game which – for all that is a business, like all sports now – brings out the nobility of men prepared to test other to the limits of human endurance.

It is fights likes these which have sustained boxing down the years, despite all the scandals and controversies.

It is fights like these which have kept our belief alive.

It is fights like these which confound the doomsayers and abolitionists.

And this fight could hardly have happened at a more propitious moment.

Froch-Kessler II – one of those rare re-matches which surpasses a tremendous original - has restored the faith.It has done so by reminding their profession that it is at its most honourable and compelling when two of its finest practitioners insist on fighting each other no matter the qualms of their advisers nor the risk to their reputations.

Fittingly, both winner and loser here come away with their legacies enhanced. Not for nothing were they cheered equally vociferously after the judges rightly brought down their verdict in favour of Britain’s world super-middleweight champion.

Battle: Froch and Kessler went hammer and tongs for the fans at the O2

Kessler goes home as much of a folk hero in Denmark as he has ever been.

Froch goes on to yet loftier peaks, assuming that his rival for ascendancy in the alphabet of competing world titles is willing to meet him there.

The world now awaits Froch versus Andre Ward, in a high state of expectancy.

The American is rated now among Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in the top three pound-for-pound fighters on the planet. He has beaten Froch once over there but even though he may insist again on home advantage the appetite is ravenous to see them do it again… anywhere.

If not then Bernard Hopkins – legendary at 48 as the oldest ever world champion and still holder of the light-heavyweight title – will generate as much excitement in a catch-weight contest for the ages.Boxing on both sides of the Atlantic is regaining traction.

Right spirit: The pair were gentlemanly after the terrific bout in London on Saturday night

In America, Mayweather is re-ennobling the art of self-defence with masterclasses like the one he recently gave Robert Guerrero.

Over here, Froch is raising the bar for commitment, dedication, heroics and high-wire thrills.Public interest transcending the boxing community has been reawakened in Britain.

Sky television helped make that possible by suspending their moratorium on pay-per-view, which had followed some chronically disappointing events.

Fancy another one: Andre Ward (right) has already beaten Carl Froch

Now, although it would require a break from TV tradition, they can perform a service not only to boxing but to their future coverage of this sport by making the footage of Froch-Kessler 11 available to other networks, in particular the terrestrial channels.

A whole new audience awaits.

No 1: A bruised Carl Froch celebrates his title-winning fight and has Andre Ward in his sights

It was good to see Ricky Hatton ringside at Froch-Kessler II.

And not only because it is always a pleasure to be in the Hitman’s company (except, of course, in the ring!)

All these months on from his definitely final fight, Hatton still looks fit, trim, bright-eyed and brimming with good health.

This, despite ill-informed rumours that in retirement he has gone back to his old binge-boozing, junk-eating ways.

Looking good: Ricky Hatton talks to Jeff Powell back in 2012 and is still looking trim

‘Still sticking to it,’ he said, grinning and patting his flat stomach in reference to his promise that the training effort he put into this comeback would not be wasted if he lost.

The familiar quick wit is in equally sharp working order.

He was at the O2 as a BBC wireless commentator and said with a chuckle: ‘I’ve got the ideal face for radio.’

Hatton had vowed – not least to his family – that the return journey would be a life-altering experience.

Although he still enjoys an occasional beer with the lads… so far so very good.